So, were the Jenkins amendments that sought to exact political revenge on Supervisor Candland for his motion outlawing slush funds legal? According to the Sheriff, the answer is no. I think as well that Candland is correct in arguing that the Virginia Code conflicts with Jenkins’ petty attempt to punish his colleague for making him uncomfortable, and that when county policy and Virginia law conflict, Virginia law will prevail.

There are times when the Dillon Rule is a godsend. This is one of them. I stand with Candland, and you should, too.

Of note, I’ve received no word on any staff from other supervisor’s offices being terminated as a result of this policy, even though I think it is clear they fall within the restrictions. Supervisor Candland appears to be the only member of the board actually complying with this policy, despite his employee Reece Collins hardly being the only staff member who has ever worked on the campaign of the supervisor they serve. Some follow the law, and some don’t, perhaps? Or is the news simply being delayed?

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Yo…yo…Loud Mouth Inciter..You live in the richest county in the US. Don’t you have enough to keep you busy up there? Good on Candland for canning Collins. Bad on the other Sups who have paid employees who fall under the prohibition, who haven’t canned them yet!!!!

You have to admire Candland. He appears to be well on the road to becoming the east coast’s premier RINO Hunter. Rather than pick off the most flagrant, he goes after all of them. Inspiring to say the least.

For example, Iowa (Judge John Dillon’s home state) is a home rule state and not a Dillon’s Rule state. You will see considerable depth to Iowa’s laws regarding the activities of state and county employees. That’s because no state is completely Dillon’s Rule nor completely Home Rule.

In fact, calling Virginia a “Dillon’s Rule state” is misleading. The Virginia Constitution specifically allows devolution of power from the state to localities (Article VII, Section 3):

“Section 3. Powers.

The General Assembly may provide by general law or special act that any county, city, town, or other unit of government may exercise any of its powers or perform any of its functions and may participate in the financing thereof jointly or in cooperation with the Commonwealth or any other unit of government within or without the Commonwealth. The General Assembly may provide by general law or special act for transfer to or sharing with a regional government of any services, functions, and related facilities of any county, city, town, or other unit of government within the boundaries of such regional government.”.

All of Virginia’s cities and three counties (Chesterfield, James City and Roanoke) have charters.

The question is whether counties want charters and what level of authority the state will give them if they want home rule (via a charter). Traditionally, the General Assembly has been unwilling to grant much power to localities.

As far as I know, no state has granted localities the authority to determine the allowable political activities of their employees. Some states (like Texas) have no specific state laws on the matter. However, the Texas Constitution prohibits home rule for counties which makes it more of a Dillon’s Rule state than Virginia.

Telephone lines are heating up over this political imbroglio. Candland has maneuvered the entire board for a head shot. No going back now. Sources report that the long knives are out and they will attempt to limit him to a single term similar to what happened to Bobby McManus about 10 years ago but this time it will have nothing to do with perfume.

The discretionary fund or slush fund has been around for a long time. Claiming at this late date that you didn’t agree with it flies in the face of the fact that supervisors took full advantage of it.

Stewart’s run for Lt. Governor is fatally wounded. His opponents just have to make the above argument.

Lots of wishy washy Republicans in PW County, always has been. Many never had the integrity or fortitude to stand alone. Most took the cowards way out and went with the crowd.

RINO Hunting is the conservative Republican’s premier sport. Once you start hunting, they start circling the wagons. The solution: take them all out. In other words, do a Bobby McManus to them–they’re all out after their current term.

Supervisor Candland is the example taxpayers are seeking across the land. It is amazing when an elected official stands up and voices his values with integrity and courage. Those that have traveled a different road should recognize the voters notice all of this. The voters in the Gainesville Magisterial District are very fortunate and should make it clear Pete Candland is on the right road and deserves praise.

We need more integrity and transparency in our government, at all levels. Those politicians who champion these goals will be noticed and supported. The old hack politicians like Supervisor Jenkins are also noticed - for all the wrong reasons.